An Introduction to Queer Literature

Overview

This course introduces learners to the tradition of 'queer literature' written in a range of different genres and across a variety of historical periods. Through structured reading and group discussion, learners will be introduced to a number of different authors and to numerous critical approaches to the concept of queer writing. Learners will also be encouraged to produce their own analyses of the featured texts through a variety of written assignments.

Programme

During the course, learners will study the following topics:

Week 1: Introduction. What do we mean by queer literature? What sort of texts might be included in such a category?

Week 2: Extracts from Queer: A Collection of LGBTQ Writing from Ancient Times to Yesterday. We will start exploring the ways in which definitions of queer literature have changed and developed over time.

Week 3: Extracts from Queer: A Collection of LGBTQ Writing from Ancient Times to Yesterday. We will continue our exploration of historical queer texts and the ways in which ideas of gender and sexuality have been constructed.

Week 4: Orlando. We will explore the historical context of Woolf’s novel, including the trial of Oscar Wilde, the publication of The Well of Loneliness and the emergence of Modernism.

Week 5: Orlando. We will explore the queerness of Woolf’s use of form in this novel.

Week 6: Selections from 100 Queer Poems. We will explore the presentation of different gender identities in poetry from antiquity to the present.

Week 7: Selections from 100 Queer Poems. We will continue our exploration of queer poetry, including topics such as formal innovation and the opening up of a decolonized, queer poetic.

Week 8: A Room Above a Shop. We will start our reading of this novel by situating it within the context of contemporary queer Welsh writing and working-class queer writing.

Week 9: A Room Above a Shop. We will continue our discussion of this text by focusing on the nature of the queer historical novel and contemporary representations of the AIDs crisis.

Week 10: Outro, including a consideration of contemporary discussions of queer literature. We will draw together the themes of the texts we have looked at and consider how our understanding of queer literature from antiquity to the present has changed over the course of the term.

Learning Outcomes 

1. Demonstrate an understanding of different concepts of 'queer literature' and how these have changed over time.
2. Demonstrate an ability to discuss such concepts verbally and in writing in reference to the specific texts studied.
3. Show an awareness of and ability to discuss the historical 
   and cultural contexts in which the assigned texts were produced.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which the assigned texts explore 'queer' identity through literary devices including 
   structure, voice, style and characterization.

Assessments 

• Written Assignment - 1500 words (80%)
• Discussion Board Contribution - 500 words (20%)

Reading Suggestions 

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements 

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need? 

As this is an online course, you would need the following: 

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.